CALENDAR

December 3
Grand Illuminations – Join The Elizabethan Gardens for the opening celebration of WinterLights, 19 spectacular nights of holiday lights and sights. This charming event features holiday warmth inside and out with holiday foods and festive drink in the Embellished Hall, and cozy fire pits on the Great Lawn as well as seasonal gift shop and plant sales. Saturday, December 3; 6-9 pm – The Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo. Non-Members: Adults $14, Youth (ages 6-17) $8, Youth (5 and under) $6. Members/Friends: Adults $10, Youth (ages 6-17) $7, Youth (5 and under) $5. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 6-10, 13-17, 20-23, 27-30
WinterLights – Stroll along enchanted garden paths and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights, sights and sounds transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland. The radiant glow of the gardens, traditional holiday décor as well as fantastical displays of peacocks, butterflies, deer and other garden creatures is a true spectacle to behold. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse and Reception Hall and a crackling open-air fire warms the Great Lawn. Also enjoy seasonal gift shop and plant sales. Adults $9, Youth (ages 6-17) $7, Youth (5 and under) $4. Extended passes are also available. Tuesdays to Sundays December 4th thru 30th (Closed on Dec 5, 12, 19, 24, 25 and 26); 6-9 pm. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 10
The Art of Wreath Making – Decorate your home for the holidays with an elegant wreath that is uniquely yours. Let Kim and Wes Stetson of Holiday House Weddings share with you their skills in the Art of Wreath Making. The Gardens will provide the wreath base, greening pins and cuttings. Participants may choose to bring ribbon, ornaments or items from home. Class size is limited to 25. Members/Friends $20, Non-Members $25. Light refreshments served. Saturday, December 10; 10 AM – NOON. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 10
The Art of Gingerbread Cookies – Come learn the art of gingerbread cookies an Elizabethan tradition with pastry chef Laura Murden. Create gingerbread cookies from scratch in this hands-on workshop. Chef Murden will share her techniques and decorating secrets for beautiful holiday gingerbread. Arrive dressed for baking and decorating. Class size limited to 20. Members/Friends $20, Non-Members $25. Light refreshments served. Saturday, December 10; 12:00 AM – 2:00 PM. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 10
Nature Photography Workshop – Learn essential skills for photographing nature led by published wildlife photographer, Jeff Lewis who is also The Elizabethan Gardens’ Garden and Nursery Manager. Jeff will give a short presentation in The Meeting Hall followed by a walking tour to explore nature. Dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes, bring a camera, notepad, pencil, film (if needed) and a charged battery. Disposable cameras and AA batteries will be available for purchase. Workshop includes admission. Members/Friends: $15; Non-Members: $20. Saturday, December 10; 2:00-4:00 PM. For tickets or more information, call 252-473-3234.

December 16
Dinner with Santa – Enjoy the spirit of the season, the sights of WinterLights and this unique dinner and Santa! Catch the ear of the man in the red suit and enjoy culinary delights provided by Ortega’z Grill. A family meal, one-on-one time with Santa, tickets to see WinterLights and no dishes to wash- how perfect is that? A professional photographer will offer candid photos for purchase. Dinner seating is at 6 pm, 7 pm, or 8 pm. Members/Friends: Adults $35, Youth $20. Non-Members: Adults $40, Youth $25. Friday, December 16, 2011; 6 -9 pm. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 17
The Art of Wreath Making – Decorate your home for the holidays with an elegant wreath that is uniquely yours! Let Kim and Wes Stetson of Holiday House Weddings share with you their skills in the Art of Wreath Making. The Elizabethan Gardens will provide the wreath base, greening pins and cuttings. Participants may choose to bring ribbon, ornaments or items from home. Class size is limited to 25 participants. Light refreshments will be served. Consider signing the kids up for the Kids Craft Day concurrent with this workshop. Members/Friends $20, Non-members $25. Saturday, December 17; 10:00 – Noon. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 17
Kids Craft Day – This is a special event for children five years and older with arts and crafts activities, healthy snacks, lunch, story time and a special stroll through The Gardens and WinterLights. Space limited to 30 children. Parents/Guardians, consider attending the concurrent Wreath Making Workshop. Members/Friends are $15; Non-members $20. For tickets or more information, call 252-473-3234. Wednesday, December 17; 10:00 –Noon. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 21
Kids Craft Day – Let the children enjoy the seasonal displays while you get ready for the holidays. This is a special day for children five years and older with arts and crafts activities, healthy snacks, lunch, story time and a special stroll through The Gardens and WinterLights. Make sure they bring their coats. Space limited to 30 children. Members/Friends are $15; Non-members $20. For tickets or more information, call 252-473-3234. Wednesday, December 17, 2011; 10:00 –Noon.

December 23
WinterLights with Santa – Kids come see Santa before the big day – to make certain he has his instructions! Admission to WinterLights is required. Stroll along enchanted garden paths and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights, sights and sounds transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland. The radiant glow of the gardens, traditional holiday décor as well as fantastical displays of peacocks, butterflies, deer and other garden creatures is a true spectacle to behold. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse and Reception Hall and a crackling open-air fire warms the Great Lawn. Also enjoy seasonal gift shop and plant sales. Adults $9, Youth (ages 6-17) $7, Youth (5 and under) $4. Friday, December 23, 6-9 pm. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 30
WinterLights (final night & thank you Santa) During the final night of WinterLights, Santa has authorized The Gardens to be his official collector of thank you notes. You must drop off your letters before 9pm to guaranteed next day delivery to the North Pole. PS – don’t forget to thank the reindeer too for their hard work. Admission to WinterLights is required. Stroll along enchanted garden paths and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights, sights and sounds transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland. The radiant glow of the gardens, traditional holiday décor as well as fantastical displays of peacocks, butterflies, deer and other garden creatures is a true spectacle to behold. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse and Reception Hall and a crackling open-air fire warms the Great Lawn. Also enjoy seasonal gift shop and plant sales. Adults $9, Youth (ages 6-17) $7, Youth (5 and under) $4. Friday, December 23, 6-9 pm. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

2012

January 21

Coldest Day of the Year Plant Sale – Enjoy this warm-spirited winter-tide Gift Shoppe, plant & yard sale that gives you a great reason to visit The Gardens in the Winter when our extensive camellias are in bloom. Take advantage of this sales event with deep discounts up to 70% off featuring items from our gift shop as well as yard sale donations from our supporters. Free hot chocolate. This is an event not to be missed. Saturday, January 21, 10a.m. – 2p.m. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

TBD
Cooking Series Part I, 11am -1pm

February 11
Love to Pay What You Want Yard Sale – Gotta love this Gift Shoppe, plant & yard sale that features 40-70% selected items & statuary in the Gatehouse Gift Shoppe & plant sales area. One free chocolate bar & one free balloon with purchase of $5, while supplies last. Take advantage of this special day and stroll through the tranquil setting of The Elizabethan Gardens when our fine collection of camellias is in bloom. The Reception Hall will house the “Love to Pay What You Want” Yard Sale with items from our Gift Shoppe, generous donations from our supporters and other odds and ends that need to find a home. Receive a free Valentine treat with purchases of $5 or more. Saturday, February 11, 10 AM – 1 PM. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

February 14-16

Linda Miller Watercolor Workshop – The Gardens has over 300 Japanese camellias in the collection, represented by over 125 cultivars. Learn basic drawing skills, observation, and watercolor techniques to create a botanical painting. Each student will work at their own pace while Linda Miller consults with each student individually. Beginner to advanced welcome. Materials list provided. 9:00 am – 3:30 pm. Three-day class for Members/Friends $135. Three-day day class for Non-Members $145. Call or email for reservations: marketing@elizabethangardens.org or call (252) 473.3234

March 10
Spring Fling CLEAN UP DAY! – Lend a hand and join The Gardens Staff alongside our much-appreciated volunteers for a spring-cleaning day throughout The Gardens to prepare for the 2012 summer season. Spring clean-up jobs include: transplanting Mondo Grass and Liriope, pulling debris out of shrubs, deadheading and weeding pansies along with other pruning and cleaning needs. Please dress appropriately and bring your garden gloves. We will provide the buckets and wheel barrows. Lunch is provided. Saturday, March 10, 10a.m. – 4p.m. For info or details, call Nancy Harvey 252 473.1554 email: nharvey@elizabethangardens.org.

TBD
Cooking Series Part II – 11 AM- 1 PM.

March 31
“Air Layering” Camilla Workshop – Ever wonder what those little green foil wrappers are on The Elizabethan Gardens Camilla plants? It’s actually a propagation technique. The Gardens Staff will demonstrate this technique of air layering at this informative hands-on workshop. Members/Friends: $15. Non-Members: $20. Saturday, March 31, Noon – 2p.m. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

April 7
Easter Eggstravaganza Gift Shoppe & Plant Sale – Come search for the savings at our Easter Egg Hunt Sale! Special plants will be tagged with Easter Eggs so search out the plants on sale as well as our heirloom vegetables and annual herbs. Hop on over to The Gardens for Easter savings. Saturday, April 7, 10 AM – 2 PM. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

April 7
Easter Eggstravaganza – Come spring over to the annual Easter Eggstravaganza. This event has become an Outer Banks spring tradition held in the midst of the beautiful spring blooms featuring an egg hunt, photo opportunities, a homemade bake sale, egg roll on the Great Lawn, story time, educational crafts, games, an Easter bonnet and hat contest, and more kid-geared fun. Saturday, April 7, 10 AM- 2 PM. 2011 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Members/Friends: Free. Non-Members: standard admission price. Children under 5 are free with a paying adult. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

April 14
Workshop with new Artist in Residence – Saturday, April 14 10 AM- NOON.

April 21
Home & Garden Tour: Spring for the Arts

April 22
Earth Day Picnic in The Elizabethan Gardens – Sunday, April 22 NOON – 2 PM. Pre-packaged baskets available call for details.

May 5
Photographing Nature with Jeff Lewis – This workshop is for students wanting to learn the skills needed to photograph nature presented by The Gardens and Nursery Manager published wildlife photographer, Jeff Lewis. Jeff will give a short presentation in The Meeting Hall followed by a walking tour outside to explore and photograph wildlife in The Elizabethan Gardens. Participants are reminded to dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes, bring a camera, notepad, pencil, film (if needed) and a charged battery. Disposable cameras are for sale in the Gatehouse along with AA Batteries. Rain Date: Sunday, April 12, 3 PM – 5 PM. This workshop includes admission to The Gardens. Members/Friends: $15 Non-Members: $20. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

April 16
“Spring Fever Chirping for Savings” Gift Shoppe & Plant Sale 9am-5pm

Receive 15% off all bird items in the Gift Shoppe and plant sale area. Look for the plants with little red birds in them! This sale also includes bird photography prints by Jeff Lewis.

May 12 & 13
Mother’s Day Hummingbird Plant Sale – Just for mom’s enjoy 15% discount on all plants. This sale will feature colorful summer annuals, gorgeous hanging baskets and plants to attract hummingbirds with deeper discounts up to 40% on selected varieties. Additionally, the Gift Shoppe will feature gift containers for Mom. Saturday – Sunday, May 12 – 13, 9 AM – 5 PM. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

May 19
Cooking Series Part III, 9am- 1pm

June 16
Propagation Class with Quentin Bell- Local living legend, Quentin Bell, will show you the proper techniques for propagation. Mr. Bell grew up on The Roanoke Island Nursery and his family has been involved with The Gardens since its inception. Garden and Nursery Manager, Jeff Lewis, will provide cuttings of shrubs, trays and soil. Mr. Bell will provide his talents and techniques! This workshop is great for grandparents to do with grandchildren. Saturday, June 16, 10 AM – NOON. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

June?
Children’s Gardening Camp Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm

June 13, 20, 27
Kid’s Garden Explorers – Good at finding things? The Elizabethan Gardens has a treasure of items to find from ancient Roman fountains and statues to fuzzy plants and crawling bugs. Kids love to scavenge for things in our Gardens in this mini-safari style adventure led by The Garden Staff. Young garden explorers will enjoy this two-hour adventure that features a stroll through The Gardens, light refreshments and a craft activity. Recommended ages are 6-11 years of age. Wednesday, June 13,20,27, 10 AM- NOON. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

June 16-17
Father’s Day Plant Sale – 15-25% off on selected plants ~ featuring hydrangea and plants for attracting butterflies. Also on sale will be our overstock of summer annuals and herbs. Perfect for Dad! Saturday-Sunday, June 16-17, 9 AM- 5 PM. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

July 9–13
Children’s Gardening Camp II 6 yrs – 11 yrs. Camp Hours 9am – 3pm Extended hours available This is a weeklong camp that combines the fun of gardening, educational opportunities and food! Children will learn what herbs and spices were grown in the 1500’s and how we use those same herbs today for kid’s favorite foods like pizza and pasta! Children will be planning, planting and harvesting pizza ingredients from our very own Elizabethan edible garden. We will plan and plant a knot garden, and use a little geometry lesson. Parents are invited on Friday to eat what the children have prepared with fresh herbs. After hour’s camp time also available at an extra charge. Members/Friends $125. Non Members $135.

July 11,18,25
Kid’s Garden Explorers – Good at finding things? The Elizabethan Gardens has a treasure of items to find from ancient Roman fountains and statues to fuzzy plants and crawling bugs. Kids love to scavenge for things in our Gardens in this mini-safari style adventure led by The Garden Staff. Young garden explorers will enjoy this two-hour adventure that features a stroll through The Gardens, light refreshments and a craft activity. Recommended ages are 6-11 years of age. Wednesday, June 13,20,27, 10 AM- NOON. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

August 1,8,15
Kid’s Garden Explorers – Good at finding things? The Elizabethan Gardens has a treasure of items to find from ancient Roman fountains and statues to fuzzy plants and crawling bugs. Kids love to scavenge for things in our Gardens in this mini-safari style adventure led by The Garden Staff. Young garden explorers will enjoy this two-hour adventure that features a stroll through The Gardens, light refreshments and a craft activity. Recommended ages are 6-11 years of age. Wednesday, June 13,20,27, 10 AM- NOON. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

August 6–10
Children’s Gardening Camp III 6 yrs – 11 yrs. Camp Hours 9am – 3pm Extended hours available This is a weeklong camp that combines the fun of gardening, educational opportunities and food! Children will learn what herbs and spices were grown in the 1500’s and how we use those same herbs today for kid’s favorite foods like pizza and pasta! Children will be planning, planting and harvesting pizza ingredients from our very own Elizabethan edible garden. We will plan and plant a knot garden, and use a little geometry lesson. Parents are invited on Friday to eat what the children have prepared with fresh herbs. After hour’s camp time also available at an extra charge. Members/Friends $125. Non Members $135.

August 18
Virginia Dare’s Birthday & Plant Sale – This day we will honor Virginia Dare with a special discounted rate to The Gardens. We will also be hosting a plant sale with 25% off on selected plants. Our best selling Virginia Dare Rose will be highlighted in this sale. Plants for a xeric garden such as sedums, fall colors and muhly grass and beauty berries will also be on sale!